Galleria Developer Chosen for Town Center

GLENDALE — The Glendale City Council on Tuesday chose Donahue Schriber, the developer of the Glendale Galleria, to spearhead the Town Center, the city's largest retail development in 15 years.

Acting as directors of the Glendale Redevelopment Agency, the council voted 4 to 0 to negotiate exclusively with the Newport Beach company to hammer out a development agreement for the project, which could cost more than $100 million.

Mayor Sheldon Baker abstained, citing a possible conflict of interest due to his law practice.

"This is a very important project for our city," Councilman Larry Zarian said before the meeting. "It will develop the rest of the vacant property in the downtown, which is not producing a dime in taxes. . . . It will bring in tax dollars, but what's more important, it will bring vibrancy to that area."

A committee of city staff and residents recommended Donahue Schriber over three other developers--including Phoenix-based Vestar Development Co. and Beverly Hills-based Regent Properties.

Town Center would span more than four blocks in the heart of downtown with stores, entertainment venues, offices and a hotel, plus public facilities including a meeting hall and plaza. It would be the first major project in the city's Greater Downtown Strategic Plan to be built.

The city has reserved the right to negotiate with Vestar if a development agreement cannot be reached with Donahue Schriber.